Food transport and storage container having removable inner container and insulating outer sleeve

ABSTRACT

A food container has an inner container for holding the food items and an outer sleeve into which the inner container fits. The inner container may be held in the outer sleeve by a friction fit or a bayonet latch or other fastening means. The inner container includes two handles by with the inner container is lifted from the outer sleeve or by which the entire container is carried. A threaded lid with a gasket fastens onto the inner container. The lid and the outer sleeve may be insulated.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplications Ser. No. 61/614,232 filed Mar. 22, 2012, and Ser. No.61/691528, filed Aug. 21, 2012, both of which are incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a food container for storingand transporting food items, and in particular to a food containerhaving a removable inner container and an insulating outer sleeve.

2. Description of the Related Art

Food containers have been developed to carry food at either warmer orcooler temperatures than the surroundings and to maintain thetemperature differential. Students or workers may carry chilled fooditems to school or work to ensure that the food does not spoil, and thenmay desire to warm the food item prior to eating, for example using amicrowave oven. People going to a pot luck party or a picnic may desireto bring a hot or warm dish to the event and may wish to transport thehot food without risk of contact with the hot food container and whilemaintaining the food in a hot state.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a food storage and transport containerhaving a food containing inner container, a lid that is securable to theinner container, and an outer sleeve that fits over at least a portionof the inner container. The outer sleeve is an insulating sleeve tomaintain a temperature differential between the contents of the innercontainer and the surroundings. The inner container is removable fromthe outer sleeve and may be place into a heating device, such as amicrowave oven, to heat the contents of the inner container.

A user of the present device may store chilled food items in the innercontainer or even place the food items in the inner container and placeit in a cooling device, such as a refrigerator, to chill. The innercontainer with the chilled food items is placed into the insulated outersleeve and is transported, for example, to school or work. When the userdesires to eat the food items, the inner sleeve with the still chilledfood items therein is removed from the outer sleeve and placed into aheating device, such as a microwave oven. The food items are heated andthe user may eat the food items directly from the inner container or maytransfer the food items to a plate or bowl for consumption.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an perspective view showing the food storage container of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the food storage container with the lidremoved;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the food storage container with the innercontainer removed from the outer sleeve;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the lid and lid gasket;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the food storage container including lineA-A; and

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the food storage container alongline A-A of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the food storagecontainer;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged, fragmentary view of a locking structure of thesecond embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of the outer sleeve of the secondembodiment showing a projection of the locking structure;

FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of the inner container of thesecond embodiment showing a bayonet slot of the locking structure;

FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the inner container of the second embodimentshowing cross section lines through a handle;

FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view along the line D-D of FIG. 12showing the bayonet slot of the second embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of the inner container of the secondembodiment;

FIG. 15 is a top, perspective, exploded view of the lid of the secondembodiment; and

FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of the inner container locked in theouter sleeve of the second embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The food storage container 20 of FIG. 1 includes a container body 22, alid 24, and a collar 26. Handles 28 extend from the collar 26 by whichthe container may be carried. The body 22 includes a base 30. Thecontainer 20 has a generally wide, cylindrical shape.

FIG. 2 shows the food storage container 20 with the lid 24 removed. Thecollar 26 has a threaded lip 32 that extends upwardly from the collar 26and defines a wide-mouth opening 34 to the container. The cylindricallid 24 has corresponding interior threads that selectively engage theexterior threads of the lip 32. In the illustrated embodiment, thethreads on the threaded collar 32 are course threads so that the lid mayeasily be started on the threads without risk of cross threading. Thewide mouth opening 34 of the inner container readily accepts foods suchas stew, chili, or other foods that might not fit so easily into anarrow mouth container. The base 30 of the illustrated embodiment iswider than the upper portion of the container 22 to add stability andprevent accidental spills. The base 30 may be formed of a pliable,non-skid material to prevent the slipping of the container.

The handles 28 extend outward from opposite sides of the collar 26 andinclude raised upper and lower edges 36 and 38 and a membrane 40extending from the edge to the collar 26. The user can grasp the handles28 and lift or carry the container 20 without spilling the contents. Thehandles 28 extend only a short distance from the collar 26 and have acurved outer edge. The container 20 can thereby be packed away in alunch bag or other enclosure without the handles 28 taking upunnecessary room. The exterior surfaces of the container and lid aregenerally smooth and un-textured to provide an easy to clean surface.

In FIG. 3, an inner container 42 has been lifted out of the outer sleeve44. The outer sleeve 44 is a preferred embodiment is insulated. Theinner container 42 includes the threaded lip 32 and the collar 26 withthe two handles 28 and also includes a cylindrical inner body 46 thatfits into the cylindrical interior 48 of the outer sleeve 44. The outersleeve 44 has an upper lip 50 set inward from the outer wall 52 of theouter sleeve 44. The collar 26 fits onto the upper lip 50 of the outersleeve 44 when the inner container 42 is in position in the outer sleeve44. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner body 46 of the innercontainer 42 fits snugly into the outer sleeve 44 so that the frictionfit of the inner container 42 within the outer sleeve 44 holds the twoparts together, yet permits the inner 42 container to be removed fromthe outer sleeve 44. The collar 26 may also have a friction fit onto theupper lip 50 of the outer sleeve 44, although this may not be necessary.

In one embodiment, the inner body 46 of the inner container 42 is ridgedto permit easy sliding movement of the inner container into and out ofthe outer sleeve. The ridges not only reduce the surface contact area,and therefore the friction, between the parts, but also provide channelsfor air flow so that air pressure differences do not prevent insertionand removal of the inner container 42.

Other means for engaging between the inner container and outer sleeveare envisioned and are encompassed within the present invention.

The collar 26 and handles 28 form part of the inner container 42. Theuser who has placed food items into the present container may remove thefood items from the insulated outer sleeve 44 without contacting thefood items. The food items and the interior container 42 are lifted andcarried by the handles 28. The interior container 42 is of a materialthat can withstand heating, for example. In one example, the outersleeve 44 is of a metal material or other sturdy material to withstandpossible rough treatment in being moved about and transported, and maybe formed as an insulated sleeve. The interior container 42 of oneembodiment is of a plastic or other microwavable material that canwithstand heating of the food contents as well as being cool enough tothe touch to enable the user to hold the inner container 42 by thehandles 28 after heating. The material of the inner container 42 may beof a material that resists staining by certain foods, particularlyduring heating of the food items.

The user may take the inner container 42 from the outer sleeve 44, fillthe container with food items, attach the lid 24 to the threaded lip 32of the inner container 42, and place the inner container 42 into arefrigerator, for example, prior to leaving for work or school. Whenleaving for work or school, the inner container 42 is placed into theinsulated outer sleeve 44 and brought with the user. The insulated outersleeve 44 keeps the food chilled. When ready to eat, the user removesthe inner container 42 from the outer sleeve 44, removes or loosens thelid 24, and heats the container and food in a microwave oven. The innercontainer 42 with the heated food may be lifted by the user using thehandles 28. The warmed food may be eaten directly from the innercontainer 42 or the inner container 42 may be placed back into the outersleeve 44 to keep the heated food warm and prevent user contact with thepossibly hot container. The inner container 42 may be washed separatelyfrom the outer sleeve 44, if desired.

FIG. 4 shows the lid 24 that threads onto the lip of the inner container42. It is desirable that not only is the inner container 42 liquid tightbut that the lid 24 is also liquid tight when secured to the innercontainer 42. A gasket 54 is provided to effect a liquid tight sealbetween the inner container 42 and the lid 24. The gasket 54 is annularshaped and seals the interior of the lid 24 against the upper edge ofthe threaded lip 32. The gasket 54 ensures that liquids or foodmaterials do not leak from the food container. A fluid tight seal can bemade with only a single seal element, and without requiring a seal oreven a connection between the lid and the outer sleeve.

In FIG. 5, the handles 28 enable grasping of the container 20 whetherwith the lid in place or with the lid removed and whether with the innercontainer within the outer sleeve or with the inner container removedfrom the outer sleeve. The handles 28 are compact to avoid occupying asignificant amount of room in, for example, a lunch bag during use or ina cabinet when not in use. The circular shape of the container 20facilitates microwave heating of the contents with fewer hot spots. Thehandles 28 are disposed below the top lip of the inner container 42 toenable the user to stir the contents, to access the contents with aneating or serving utensil, or to place the container 20 in a dish dryingrack without the handles 28 getting in the way.

Turning to FIG. 6, the container 20 in cross section reveals that thelid 24 is formed in two parts, an outer lid 56 having a domed topsurface 58, an interior-threaded circular rim 60 and a circular flange62 within the circular rim 60, and an inner lid 64 secured to thecircular flange 62. The outer lid 56 and inner lid 64 form a hollowinterior space 66 that serves to insulate the interior of the containerfrom the surroundings. The hollow interior space 66 of the lid 24 may befilled with air, a neutral gas, a partial vacuum, or an insulatingmaterial. The circular space between the inner lid and outer lid holdsthe gasket 54, which may be formed of silicon or other low taste, heatresistant material.

The inner container 42 has the upper lip 50 threaded into the rim 60 ofthe lid 24. The upper lip 50 is recessed, having a smaller outerdiameter, to enable the lid 24 to form a generally continuous surfacewith the collar 26. The upper lip 50 of the outer sleeve 44 is alsorecessed, or formed of a smaller diameter, so that the outer surface ofthe collar 26 forms a generally continuous surface with the outersurface of the outer sleeve 44. A generally smooth sided container 20 isformed by the assembled lid 24, inner container 42 and outer sleeve 44.The handles 28 with the raised lower and upper edges 38 and 36 andcentral membrane 40 are visible in this view. The collar 26 extends overthe lip 50 of the outer sleeve 44, or considered another way, the lip 50extends into the interior space of the collar 26.

The lower portion 46 of the inner container 42 extends into the interior48 of the outer sleeve 44. The interior 48 of the outer sleeve 44 isgenerally form fitted to the shape of the inner container 42. The outersleeve 44 has an inner wall 68 and an outer wall 70 defining aninsulating space 72 therebetween. The insulating space 72 may be filedwith air, a neutral gas, a partial vacuum, or an insulating material.The insulating space 72 insures that hot foods in the container stay hotand cold foods stay cold.

The base 30 of the outer sleeve 44 encloses the lower end 74 of theouter sleeve 44 and defines a further insulating space at the bottom ofthe food container.

Thus, there is shown and described a food container having a removableinner container that seals in the food and can be heated or chilled withthe food inside without the insulating sleeve. The insulating sleevekeeps the food either hot or cold as desired. Further heating or coolingof the food is facilitated by removing the outer sleeve and without theneed to remove the food from the container to a separate plate or bowl.

FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment of the present food storage container100 in its fully assembled condition. The food storage container 100includes a lid 102 secured onto a top ring 104 of an inner container, apair of handles 106 extending in opposite directions from the top ring104 of the inner container, and an outer sleeve 108 into which the innercontainer fits. A base 110 is provided on the outer sleeve 108. The lid102, inner container and base 110 are preferably formed of a plasticmaterial and the outer sleeve 108 is preferably formed of steelconfigured as a vacuum insulated container.

In FIG. 8, the lid 102 is threaded onto the top ring 104 of the innercontainer 114 and is thereby held in place. A gasket 112 within the lid102 seals the lid 102 and inner container 114 together to preventleakage of food or beverages from the inner container. The lid 102includes a central projection 116 forming an air chamber or insulatingchamber 118 to thermally insulate the interior of the inner container114 from the environment.

The inner container 114 has a lower portion 120 extending into theinterior of the outer sleeve 108. The lower portion 120 of the innercontainer 114 is hollow and intended to hold food items that are to bekept hot or cold. Other items may of course be stored in the innercontainer 114. The inner container 114 has the handles 106 extendingfrom opposite sides at the top ring portion by which the inner container114 can be lifted. The handles 106 can be of any shape. Here the handlesare downwardly curved projections that provide fingertip spaces 122 onthe underside to ensure that the container 100 does not slip as it isbeing lifted by the user.

The outer sleeve 108 fits over the lower portion 120 of the innercontainer 114 to enclose the lower part of the inner container 114. Theouter sleeve 108 has a double wall 124 and 126 with a partial vacuumbetween the walls to provide thermal insulation for the food or otheritems in the inner container. The inner wall 124 of the lower sleeve 108is contoured to fit closely with the outer surface of the innercontainer 114. The base 110 is mounted on the bottom of the outer sleeve108. The inner container 114 and the outer sleeve 108 are fastened toone another by a locking structure in the form of a bayonet lock 128.The bayonet lock 128 includes a pair of projections 130 extending fromthe inner top surface of the outer sleeve 108, which projections 130engage into bayonet slots 132 on the outer surface of the innercontainer 114. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking structures arebeneath the handles, which facilitates aligning of the bayonet lockingportions by the user.

FIG. 9 provides an enlarged cross-sectional view through the lockingstructure 128. The projection 130 on the inner wall of the outer sleeve108 is rounded and may be in the shape of a portion of a sphere. Othershapes are of course possible. The bayonet slot 132 in the innercontainer wall 114 is of a size and shape to accommodate the projection130, preferably with room to spare. A bump 134 is provided in thebayonet slot 132 over which the projection 130 must pass to move thelocking structure into the locked position.

In FIG. 10, the outer sleeve 108 has the projection 130 on the innersurface. A second such projection 130 is provided on an opposing innerwall of the outer sleeve, although it is not visible in this view. Theprojection is here shown with a circular shape. Other shapes arepossible.

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the inner container 114. Beneath the handle106 is an L-shaped recess or bayonet slot 132 formed into a raised rim136 on the inner container 114. The recess or slot 132 has a verticalportion 138 extending generally along a direction parallel to an axis ofthe container 100 extending to the edge of the raised rim 136 by whichthe projection 130 of the outer sleeve 108 may enter the recess 132. Therecess 132 has a horizontal portion 140 extending generally along aportion of the circumference of the container forming the second leg ofthe L-shaped recess. The locking bump 134 is near the end of thehorizontal portion 140, with sufficient space at the end of thehorizontal portion to accommodate the projection 130 in the lockedposition.

A handle support rim 142 of the inner container 114 extends toward theclosed end of the inner container spaced from the raised rim 136 so asto define a generally annular space 144 into which the top edge of theouter sleeve 108 fits when the inner container 114 is assembled in theouter sleeve 108. Positioning the top edge of the outer sleeve 108 intothe space 144 between the handle support rim 142 and the inner container114 brings the upper rim of the outer sleeve 108 into position to permitthe projections 130 to engage the bayonet slots 132. A second bayonetslot is provided on the opposite side of the inner container beneath theother handle 106.

The locking projection or bump 134 is visible in the second orhorizontal leg 140 of the L-shaped bayonet slot. The projection 134meets resistance upon encountering the locking projection 130 as theuser rotates the inner and outer parts relative to one another. Byexerting additional turning force between the inner container 114 andthe outer sleeve 108, the resistance is overcome and the projection 130moves past the locking projection 134 to the end of the L-shaped slot140. The projection 130 on the outer sleeve 108 becomes trapped at theend of the bayonet slot 132, keeping the inner container 114 and theouter sleeve 108 together, but permitting them to be separated whendesired. For example, the components do not come apart when beingtransported to work or school, but can be easily separated to permitheating of the food in the inner container 114 using a microwave oven,for example. Once the food is heated, the inner container 114 may beinserted back into the outer sleeve 108 to transport the warmed food toa table or the user's desk.

The raised rim 136 of the inner container 114 also contacts ribs 146 orother structures at the top rim of the outer sleeve 108 to provide africtional engagement of the inner and outer components—see FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 shows the handles 106 and inner container 114. The verticalportions 138 of the L-shaped bayonet recesses are beneath the handles106, offset from the center lines of the handles to receive theprojections 130 on the outer sleeve 108. The user who is holding thehandles may easily align the projection and bayonet slot using thehandles as a guide.

FIG. 13 provides a view of the L-shaped bayonet recess 132 with thehandle removed to better show the shape and position of the recess. Thefirst portion or vertical portion 138 of the recess for receiving theprojection at the lower edge of the raised rim 136 leads into thehorizontal or second portion 140 of the L-shaped recess. The lockingprojection 134 extends across the second portion 140 of the recessspaced from the end of the recess by a sufficient distance to provide acapture space 148 for holding the projection 130 of the outer sleeve 108when the two components are locked together.

Locking the inner container 114 into the outer sleeve 108 is performedby inserting the lower portion of the inner container 114 into the outersleeve 108 until the projections 130 on the outer sleeve 108 contact theraised rim 136. After being slid into the outer sleeve 108, the innercontainer 114 and outer sleeve 108 are rotated relative to one anotheruntil the projections 130 reach the locking recesses 132 so that theprojections 130 slide into the vertical portions 138 of the recesses.The inner container 114 and outer sleeve 108 are rotated relative to oneanother to move the projections 130 along the horizontal portions 140 ofthe recesses until resistance is met as a result of the outer sleeveprojections 130 contacting the locking projections 134. By applyingforce to overcome the resistance to further turning, the user is able tomove the projections 130 over the locking projections 134 and engageinto the space 148 at the closed end of the locking recess 132. Thelocking projection 134 prevents rotation out of the locked positionunless an unlocking force is applied. The components are thereby securedtogether.

The latching of the inner container 114 to the outer sleeve 108 can beaccomplished by a single projection and a single bayonet recess or bymultiple projections and multiple recesses. A combination of morebayonet recesses than projections may be provided to permit locking inseveral rotational positions. Other latching means to secure thecomponents together may be provided as well.

Unlocking the inner container 114 from the outer sleeve 108 is performedby applying a twisting force or rotation force to overcome the lockingresistance and permit the outer sleeve projection 130 to move over thelocking projection 134. Further turning of the inner container 114 inthe outer sleeve 108 moves the projection 130 to the open end of thehorizontal recess 140, where the sleeve 108 and container 114 may beseparated by a vertical motion. The user may thereby remove thepreviously locked inner container 114 for heating or washing and maylock the inner container into the outer sleeve for transport andinsulation.

The lid engaging threads 150 on the upper edge of the inner container114 are shown. Cooperating threads are provided in the lid 102.

FIG. 14 shows the inner container 114 fit into and locked to the outersleeve 108. Food items may be placed into the interior of the innercontainer 114 for storage or transport and are thermally isolated fromthe environment so the food is kept warm or cool. The bayonet slots 132are positioned beneath each handle 106 to enable the user to use thehandles as a guide to aligning the locking projections 130 with thelocking recesses 132. The user is able to visually align the handles106, here shown at opposite sides of the inner container 114, with theprojections 130 on the inside of the outer sleeve 108. Latching of theinner container 114 and outer sleeve 108 is thereby easily accomplishedwithout the user needing to search for the latching recess 132 byrotating the components over significant rotational angles.

FIG. 15 shows the lid 102 and lid gasket 112 that is affixed to the rimof the inner container by threaded connection. The gasket 112 of oneembodiment is of silicon, although other materials are possible. The lid102 is of a plastic material in one embodiment, although other materialsare possible. The lid gasket 112 is fit into the recess in the lid 102and remains there during use. The gasket 112 forms the seal between theinside surface of the lid 102 and the edge of the rim of the innercontainer 114. The lid 102 need not be removed from the inner container114 to remove the inner container 114 from the outer sleeve 108 or toinsert it into the outer sleeve 108. As such, the lid 102 can remain inplace to prevent spilling of soup or other foods while removing theinner container. The lid 102 is removed from the inner container 114before heating the food, for example, in a microwave oven.

FIG. 16 shows the inner container 114 in the outer sleeve 108 butwithout the lid 102. The inner container 114 has been secured to theouter sleeve 108 by the bayonet connection. The outwardly projectingflange with the downwardly directed outer edge, or handle support rim,142 on the inner container 114 extends over the rim of the outer sleeve.In addition to providing a more unitary structure to the assembledcomponents, this structure prevents food from getting between thecomponents. The inner container 114 is of a plastic material, andpreferably a material that is microwavable with food contained therein.The outer sleeve 108 of a preferred embodiment is of stainless steelwith a plastic base 110. After the food is heated in the microwave inthe inner container, the inner container 114 may be slid into the outersleeve 108 to insulate the heated food from the cooler environment. Theinner container 114 may also be placed into a refrigerator or other coolplace to cool the food, and the cooled food and inner container 114 thenslid into the outer sleeve to keep the food cool.

The inner container 114 and outer sleeve 108 may be held together byfriction, by a latching structure—one example of which is shown—or by acombination of both friction and a latching structure.

Although other modifications and changes may be suggested by thoseskilled in the art, it is the intention of the inventors to embodywithin the patent warranted hereon all changes and modifications asreasonably and properly come within the scope of their contribution tothe art.

We claim:
 1. A food container, comprising: an outer sleeve having an outer wall and an inner wall so as to define an insulating space therebetween, the outer sleeve defining an interior space and an opening to access the interior space; a lip of the outer sleeve at the opening to the interior space of the outer sleeve; an inner container having an inner body that fits within the interior space of the outer sleeve, the inner body defining a food containing cavity; a collar on the inner container, the collar fitting over the lip of the outer sleeve when the inner body is disposed within the interior space of the outer sleeve, the collar defining a portion of an exterior surface of the food container; at least one handle extending from the collar; and a lid selectively fastenable to the collar in sealing engagement.
 2. A food container as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a bayonet latching structure securing the inner container to the outer sleeve.
 3. A food container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one handle includes two handles extending from opposing sides of the inner container.
 4. A food container as claimed in claim 3, wherein the handles each include oppositely projecting rims at a perimeter and a web extending between the perimeter of the handle and a body of the inner container.
 5. A food container as claimed in claim 3, wherein the handles each include a handle surface defining a finger space opening toward a closed end of the inner container.
 6. A food container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lid includes an inner lid and an outer lid affixed to one another to define an insulating space within the inner and outer lids.
 7. A food container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer sleeve includes an outer cylindrical wall, wherein the lip of the outer sleeve has a cylindrical outer surface of a lesser diameter than the outer cylindrical wall of the outer sleeve, and wherein the collar has a cylindrical outer surface that forms a continuation of the cylindrical wall of the outer sleeve.
 8. A food container for holding food items, comprising: an outer sleeve having a cylindrical outer wall and defining an interior space, the outer sleeve having a rim of a smaller outer diameter than the cylindrical outer wall; an inner container having a food containing portion of a size and shape to fit into the interior space of the outer sleeve, the food containing portion defining an interior food containing space; a collar extending from the food containing portion and defining a rim accepting space between the collar and the food containing portion, the rim of the outer sleeve fitting into the rim accepting space when the food containing portion of the inner container is within the interior space of the outer sleeve; first and second handles extending from the collar in opposite directions from opposite sides of the collar; a threaded cylindrical portion extending from the collar, the threaded cylindrical portion including an exterior threaded cylindrical surface of a smaller diameter than a diameter of the collar; and a lid having an interior threaded portion for threadably engaging the exterior threaded cylindrical surface of the threaded cylindrical portion, the lid closing the interior food containing space when the lid is in a sealed condition on the threaded cylindrical portion, the lid maintaining the sealed condition regardless of whether the inner container is in the outer sleeve or the outer sleeve is removed from the inner container.
 9. A food container as claimed in claim 8, further comprising: a bayonet lock between the inner container and the outer sleeve to releasably lock the inner container to the outer sleeve.
 10. A food container as claimed in claim 8, wherein the bayonet lock includes two bayonet locks, each bayonet lock being aligned with a corresponding one of the first and second handles.
 11. A food container as claimed in claim 8, wherein the outer sleeve and the lid are insulated.
 12. A food container as claimed in claim 11, wherein the outer sleeve is vacuum insulated.
 13. A food container as claimed in claim 8, wherein the inner container and the collar and the handles are formed in one piece of a microwave-safe material.
 14. A food container as claimed in claim 8, wherein the inner container and the outer sleeve are held together by a friction fit when the food containing portion is within the inferior space of the outer sleeve. 